topic Re: Baseball in BreakPoint

Baseball

Cory_K — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:46:36 GMT

I noticed that there was a football thread in Breakpoint, but no baseball thread.

And seeing as how the Yankees are very close to winning the World Series,

I found this to be a perfect time to start one

Any other baseball enthusiasts out there

Re: Baseball

elset191 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:55:37 GMT

I don't care who wins if it's not the Tigers (Unless the outcome direcly affects them). I usually root for a good game, which means I'm rooting for whoever's losing at any moment. I hope it goes 7 games. Exciting baseball.

I missed last night's game, but watched highlights online this morning...good game.

Message Edited by elset191 on 11-02-2009 09:55 AM

Re: Baseball

RavensFan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:51:15 GMT

Why would the Phillies put on such an overshift for Texeira? And considering they did, why wouldn't they have the SS cover 2nd on the stolen base instead of the 3rd basemen? Why didn't the 3rd basemen try a little harder to run down Johnny Damon knowing there was nobody anywhere near 3rd?

It seems like sometimes the managers try to be smarter and trickier in the post season, and as a result, they get a way from good fundamental baseball and wind up looking stupid in the process.

Re: Baseball

elset191 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:07:31 GMT

Ravens Fan wrote:
And considering they did, why wouldn't they have the SS cover 2nd on the stolen base instead of the 3rd basemen?

Because Tex is a lefty. They didn't want to leave the first base side open in case he swung. Second generally covers when a righty is up, and short when a lefty is up. Same thing here only it was short and third because of the massive shift.

I can't remember ever seeing anything like this...so, now we know to watch that, and I'd be very surprised to see it again. Third baseman will always go to cover third now I'm guessing.

Message Edited by elset191 on 11-02-2009 01:07 PM

Re: Baseball

RavensFan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:28:52 GMT

elset191 wrote:
Because Tex is a lefty. They didn't want to leave the first base side open in case he swung. Second generally covers when a righty is up, and short when a lefty is up. Same thing here only it was short and third because of the massive shift.

I realize he's a lefty. Maybe because 1st was occupied, that did open up the right side more. In general, you really only see the overshift occur for lefties who are really well known for their pull tendencies. I didn't think Tex was one of those with that reputation. But when you get to the playoffs, managers just seem to start doing things that they wouldn't normally do during a regular baseball game.

Generally with an overshift, the 3rd baseman usually winds up at about the honest shortstop position. And the SS winds up right of second, but generally not that far away. So I would have thought the SS would have still been naturally closer to 2nd and should have made the play. When the play happened, I didn't even realize they had an overshift on. I don't think they showed or mentioned the defensive alignment. So when Damon popped off and starting getting away, I thought they were going to have him dead to rights in a rundown as he approached 3rd. I didn't realize it wasn't the SS who took the throw as it appeared in a normal situation. And considering the fact the player really didn't even try to chase him down, I thought he was just waiting to make the throw to the 3rd baseman. Until the camera pulled away and I wonder where in the world the 3rd baseman went to, did I realize he WAS the 3rd baseman.

Being a Baltimore fan, I've grown up hating the Yankees and am rooting for the Phillies to win. But after seeing stupid plays like that, I have my doubts.

By the way, your pumpkin picture icon looks pretty cool.

Re: Baseball

elset191 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:34:56 GMT

Like I said, I think they'll rethink who takes throws on steals after that play. I think Pedro Feliz just understood that he's not as fast as Damon, so wouldn't have a chance at catching him anyway. It was just a very good, observant, smart play on Damon's part taking advantage of the Phil's like that.

By the way, your pumpkin picture icon looks pretty cool.

Thanks

Re: Baseball

RavensFan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:33:18 GMT

elset191 wrote:
It was just a very good, observant, smart play on Damon's part taking advantage of the Phil's like that.

Yes. It certainly was a head's up play on his part.

Re: Baseball

Cory_K — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:10:36 GMT

I still cannot believe how much money the Yankees paid for AJ Bernett,

especially considering how unreliable and inconsistant he is.

Message Edited by Cory K on 11-03-2009 12:10 PM